Animal welfare

Increasing the maximum prison sentence for animal cruelty tenfold, from six months to five years;

Courts retaining the ability to hand out unlimited fines and ban offenders from owning animals in future.

The RSPCA have said:

"To include the recognition of animal sentience, as well as increasing animal cruelty sentencing to 5 years into the new 2018 Animal Welfare Bill, is a very bold and welcome move by the Government."

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home say:

"Battersea is greatly encouraged by the Governments willingness to see sentences for the most shocking cases of animal cruelty increase from 6 months to 5 years and today's announcement takes a significant step in that direction."

This is really good news and takes the issue on much further. It contradicts the false news being put out at the time.